‘You are a hero’: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly surprise boy, 5, who has raised over £1million for NHS after losing his legs as a baby in heartwarming video
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly surprised a five-year-old boy with a video praising him as a ‘hero’ for raising over £1million for the NHS.
The presenting duo sent a message to Tony Hudgell, who had to have both of his legs amputated when he was 41 days old after being abused by his birth parents.
Tony is a huge fan of Ant and Dec and looked delighted as he watched the video they sent him, which was shared on Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain and on Pride of Britain’s Twitter account.
Message: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly surprised a five-year-old boy with a video praising him as a ‘hero’ for raising over £1million for the NHS
The five-year-old, from Kent, has raised a staggering £1million for the hospital that saved his life.
Tony vowed to walk every day in June to raise money for Evelina London Children’s Hospital after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore.
The video began with an excited Tony covering his eyes as he waited for his adoptive mother to surprise him.
He looked shocked as the duo appeared on the screen and said: ‘I love Ant and Dec’.
Surprised: The presenting duo sent a message to Tony Hudgell, who had to have both of his legs amputated when he was 41 days old after being abused by his birth parents
Ant said: ‘Hi Tony Ant and Dec here, we just wanted to send you a message to say what an amazing thing you are doing.
Dec added: ‘Absolutely amazing, you are a hero. Listen thank you so much keep up the good work and we are sending you lots and lots of love, thanks, Tony.’
Tony had to have both legs surgically removed after suffering horrific abuse from his birth parents when he was just 41 days old.
He was rushed to hospital in November 2014 with multiple organ failure, several fractures and even sepsis, leaving him on life support at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. His legs had to be amputated in 2017.
Ant said: ‘Hi Tony Ant and Dec here, we just wanted to send you a message to say what an amazing thing you are doing’
Good cause: Tony vowed to walk every day in June to raise money for Evelina London Children’s Hospital after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore
When he was discharged from hospital at four months old, he was put into the foster care of Paula, 52, and Mark, 55, who later adopted him.
Tony appeared with his parents on This Morning on Monday who told how their whole community has supported their son’s daily walks.
Paula said: ‘The community have been coming out and cheering him on. It’s been so lucky for us to be able to give back to the hospital who saved his life. This will help so many children.’
Mark added: ‘The improvement we’ve seen over the last month has been fantastic.’
Tony vowed to walk 10km over the month of June but Paula revealed he surpassed the goal and has walked 12km so far.
Dec added: ‘You are a hero. Listen thank you so much keep up the good work and we are sending you lots and lots of love, thanks, Tony’